Title: That's The Spirit
By: Bridget McKennitt
Summary: Fred and George need someone to test their new Wizarding Chess set. Harry decides to volunteer, much to the dismay, or should I say delight, of Severus.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and company are owned by J.K. Rowling and other companies. They are used here without permission, and for entertainment purposes only. No challenge or infringement upon the copyright is intended, nor should any be inferred.
Author's Notes: Dedicated to my co-Guardian of the Marketplace, K. Happy Birthday.
*thunk* "What in blazes is that contraption?"
"It's Fred and George's latest invention. They asked if I could test it out for them and I said yes."
"You don't expect me to help, do you? You're in your Seventh Year, you should know better. Nothing good will come out of this. Anything invented by the Weasleys never does."
"Be nice, Sev. Besides it's their version of Wizarding Chess. You know how to play Wizarding Chess, don't you?"
"...of course I do."
"Good." *beams* "That means you're helping."
"What!"
"Well, I can't very well play the game by myself, you know."
"....."
"That's the spirit."
A few minutes later
"Your turn, Harry."
"Erm, was your knight supposed to do that to my rook?"
"Now *that* was certainly interesting. We must try that position sometime."
"....."
"Are you going to move or what?"
"Um, I don't want your pieces to do anything to mine."
"You only say that because you're going to lose in ten moves." *watches Harry move his piece* "Forgive me. I meant less than four."
"Damn it, Sev, I'm not that bad!"
"Of course not. We leave the 'badness' to these chess pieces." *moves* *chuckles* "Remind me to write to the Weasley twins and ask them where they got their inspiration from. That Queen really sucks, doesn't she?"
*stares* "Sev, you're enjoying this game far too much."
"I enjoy anything that gets a rise out of you." *arches eyebrow* "Apparently you're taking it literally if that tent in your robes means anything."
*mutters* "Must be from watching the bishop riding that horse."
"Makes you wonder what the King will do for the encore of this game."
"Since you're so confident you're going to win, why don't you find out?"
"Alright, you prat." *makes a move* "Check."
"What!" *stares at the chess board* "Greasy git."
"Obnoxious child. You're just upset because I'm going to win after you move. And there is only one move you can make."
"....."
*sweetly* "Come on, Harry. Don't be shy."
*reluctantly makes a move*
"Checkmate." *moves his piece* "Interesting. Harry, don't look away. If your King can take it like a man, then certainly you can."
*looks*
"That's the spirit." *mocking*
*blanches* "I never figured the King to be such a complete bottom. And to a pawn no less!"
"I'm not surprised. You know, the pawn reminds me of you." *points* "See, look how small it is, and yet it's particularly agile for its size."
*pushes the chess pieces into the box* "None of that, shall we?"
"Aww, Harry. And just when it was getting exciting."
"The only thing that'll get you excited is *me*."
*eyebrow arches* "Is that a promise, Mr. Potter?"
"Uh..."
*stands* "Well, I'm taking it as a promise."
"Where are you going?"
"Where else? To bed. I hope you were paying attention to the game, Harry. I was serious when I said I wanted to try out some of those moves."
"*Now*?"
"It's as good as time as any."
"....."
"I'll take your silence as a yes." *chuckles* "What will you owl to the Weasleys, may I ask?"
*grins* "That they should call it 'That's The Spirit' and have their slogan be, 'Satisfaction Guaranteed."
*pulls Harry closer* "We'll see how satisfactory first, won't we now?" *evil grin*
*gulps*
